A netsuke is a small sculpture originating from Japan more than three hundred years ago. Netsuke served functional and aesthetic purposes on the kimono. Many people believe the netsuke to be talismans. Perhaps this explains how these items eventually grew to become highly coveted collectible art forms. Today, there’s a broad range of ivory carvings with a level of sophistication to be considered as fine art. There are highly sought-after items by art collectors. Given are 6 factors to consider when buying netsuke.

To the verify the authenticity of netsuke is not easy. The easiest idea is to check the signature of the carving. However, this can be faked including the age of the piece. Just like with other forms of art, determining the authenticity of netsuke requires accurate identification and matching of age, style, school, signature, material, stroke, and artistry of the various netsuke. This takes years of studying and handling netsuke to become an expert in this art form.

Checking a range of netsuke portrays a range of skills of the artists who made them. You’re able to tell simple folk art to the works of great artists in netsuke. Great art collectors look for artists with simple carvings, complex pieces, and those with minute details. There’s a possibility to find beauty and skill in a particular artist after checking their work. Additionally, more advanced collectors determine skill according to the relative merits of the art piece. 

Quality netsuke is less prone to wear, chips, age cracks, and restoration. Damage can damage the value of a netsuke but it depends largely on its age and rarity. When looking for netsuke for sale, it’s not expected to show any signs of wear. However, the exception is to age. The older the netsuke gets, the higher the chances of becoming susceptible to minor chips, cracks, surface erosion, small defects, and tiny repairs.

There’re famous names and art collectors of netsuke. These include:

Morita Soko
Okatomo
Tomiharu
Kokusai
Tomokada

Students of these artists and subsequent carvers who used their style produced top-level netsuke. Professional and seasonal collectors can differentiate between the styles of netsuke. These also attribute specific netsuke to famous artists.

Some netsuke is very rare and attracts is more sought after. Pieces such as Baku and the squirrel don’t attract much interest from collectors. However, some collectors are fond of collecting legends, animals, and mythical objects. So, such netsuke attracts more pay since everyone is looking for it. The collectors would not hesitate to pay a premium price for such netsuke.

The price of netsuke varies according to collectors. Pieces by famous artists usually attract top dollar. Additionally, the value of a particular piece depends largely on its intrinsic and extrinsic factors. The existence of an authentic signature from master carvers has an influence on netsuke price. Rarity and artistic appeal are the most significant aspects that determine the value of netsuke.